One of the most intriguing players expected to be available on the open market at the end of the month is a backup running back.

But Michael Turner is no backup. Well, he shouldn’t be, but because he’s a teammate of LaDainian Tomlinson’s and plays the same position as the future Hall of Famer, Turner is the second-stringer in San Diego.

Turner is sure to become a starting tailback in the NFL, and it could happen by Feb. 29, the first day of free agency. In a so-so crop of free agents, Turner is sure to get a ton of interest and is expected to be the top running back available in a class that includes Oakland’s Justin Fargas.

Turner will be signed with the hopes he will become a star. He ran only 71 times in the 2007 regular season. In four seasons, Turner has carried only 228 times but has gained 1,257 yards, averaging 5.5 yards a carry. Turner says he is ready to become a full-time ball carrier.

“I know I can carry the rock 20-25 times a game,” Turner said. “I know I can be a game-changer.”

The Broncos considered Turner when he was a restricted free agent last year, but never got past the exploratory stage. Denver will look for tailbacks to compete with Selvin Young and might keep Travis Henry — with a pay cut.

Turner isn’t likely to wind up in Denver, but he should be a starter somewhere this coming season.

“I know I belong,” Turner said.

Ellis turns heads.

Sedrick Ellis would look terrific in a Broncos uniform and the team undoubtedly would love to have him, but it likely would require Denver to trade up from the No. 12 spot in the draft. Ellis is the first real riser of the draft.

The Southern California defensive tackle had a great Senior Bowl week. Scouts there said he was head and shoulders above any other prospect. Ellis initially was considered likely to go in the Nos. 8-12 selection range. Now he appears to be a sure top-five pick, with the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs interested.

If Denver doesn’t get a chance to take Ellis, it might look for a safety such as Miami’s Kenny Phillips.

The Broncos may make a play for Detroit defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. Denver has long been enamored of Rogers, who is dominant when he wants to be.

Around the league.

If the Broncos sign any of their free agents early, a good bet would be safety Hamza Abdullah. The team believes Abdullah can develop into a fine strong safety. . . . Kudos to Broncos defensive end John Engelberger, who played the second half of the season with a separated shoulder. Because Engelberger never missed any time with the nasty injury, his teammates voted him the team’s recipient of the Ed Block courage award. . . . Watch for Denver to cut injured linebacker Warrick Holdman before the end of the month. He is due $1.5 million. . . . Broncos whose contracts may be reworked include cornerback Dre Bly. . . . While his first-round status is far from squandered, many scouts don’t think Penn State middle linebacker Dan Connor is a top-10 prospect anymore. Connor was not impressive during the Senior Bowl week. . . . There has been speculation Dallas might have an interest in Broncos receiver Javon Walker if he is cut. The Broncos likely will try to trade Walker or cut him. . . . Watch for Michigan quarterback Chad Henne to rise up draft boards while Hawaii’s Colt Brennan, a former Colorado walk-on, continues to slip. . . . Virginia defensive end Chris Long, expected to be a top-five pick, has chosen Vann McElroy to be his agent. McElroy and Long’s father, Howie, were longtime teammates with the Oakland Raiders. . . . While it appears former University of Colorado assistant Jim Caldwell will replace Tony Dungy as head coach in Indianapolis when Dungy retires, a similar arrangement may be in place in the front office, with Chris Polian set to replace his father, Bill, at some point.

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson had butterflies before Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn't because of the big-name opponent, but rather his return from a 13-game injury absence and being stoked to rejoin a team in a playoff push and looking for its third postseason appearance in 10 years.